Dena Burton

“There's nothing like being able to do what you love to do for a living.”

Dena Burton graduated from FIDM in March, 1999 after completing the Professional Designation Program in Fashion Design. She then went on to attend the advanced third year program where she showcased her designs at FIDM's Debut 2000. Dena obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree with a major in English and a minor in Television and Film Production at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She was also the recipient of the Karen Kane Scholarship Award for the 3rd year Advanced Study Program.

Dena's industry experience includes a designing assistant internship with Brian McKinney, working for the Directors Guild of America and being a dresser at the Fashion Focus International. Dena has acquired a variety of skills while attending FIDM and has become an accomplished Designer who utilizes a unique flair for fashion and fun. It is her love for the entertainment industry that has driven her to follow her dreams as a Designer.

Dena knew she was interested in a career in Fashion Design since her early teens. She worked in the entertainment industry but soon found herself "stagnating behind a desk." "I have always been very creative and I wanted to be able to utilize that creativity, rather than having to sit behind a desk." When Dena finally decided to follow her dreams and study fashion she researched several schools. Dena said FIDM appealed to her most because of the faculty she had come into contact with, the the convenient schedule, and the overall presentation of the school.

When asked how she survived working and going to school Dena replied, "It was a matter of being disciplined and organized. It was hard but very manageable. I think that with anything you want to do, you find a way to get it done. I spent a lot of long nights and got up in the morning and went to work. The program makes it possible if you're disciplined, original, determined and pray a lot. The end result is that it was more rewarding than I had ever hoped because there is nothing like being able to do what you love to do for a living."

Advice that Dena has for you prospective students: "Be organized and disciplined. Build a good relationship with your instructors because they will be viable contacts in the future." Dena is a bright, articulate, creative, personable woman, and we expect to see great things from her as her ideas come to fruition.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.